Genes and obesity

The science of genes

So far, eight genes whose defects have an impact on body weight and diet efficiency have been identified.

These eight genes can be analysed with the genetic analysis Weight Sensor developed by Novogenia as part of the DNAnutriControl program. The method used examines specific regions of the genes (the so-called SNPs) for defects that determine the respective trends for overweight and weight loss.

Summary of scientific studies

The scientific basis for this genetic analysis is unusually strong. The relevant genes were firstly closely examined in numerous studies (more than 7,500 studies of the gene PPARG, 167 studies on gene FABP2, 6,897 trials for gene ADRB2 and 493 studies on FTO), wherein the weight analysis is based on the most important 53 studies on the topic dieting and nutrition.

Eight polymorphisms that have different effects on the body are analyzed in the context of this analysis. Since this is a very comprehensive analysis of the product, this description focuses only on the most important items. These are:

Statement 1: People respond different to the fat content in the diet due to genetic polymorphisms. An adaptation of the fat content makes sense.

Statement 2: People react differently to the carbohydrate content in food. An adaptation of the carbohydrate content makes sense.

Statement 3: Genes influence a particular weight loss program with up to 2.5 times better or worse success.

Statement 5: Genes influence the success of a calorie reduction for losing weight.

The program detects these genetic tendencies through a gene analysis, the calorie distribution is adapted accordingly, and the program focuses on the strategy that achieves better results, according to the genetic analysis. More sports or greater calories reduction?

The aim of this section is to provide evidence for each of these statements and to emphasize the scientific basis of the program.

Statement 1

People respond different to the fat content in the diet due to genetic polymorphisms. An adaptation of the fat content makes sense.

A very interesting example is the study conducted by the research group (Robitaille et al, Clin Genet. 63: 109-116, 2003), which determined that from the 720 subjects only those with a less favorable variant of the gene PPARG (Pro13Ala) gained weight while having a particularly high fat diet. A genetic effect confirmed by the independent research group (Memisoglu et al, Human Molecular Genetics. 13: 2923-2929, 2001) in a separate study. The body's response to a high-fat or low-fat diet can be predicted through the knowledge of this genetic defect.

Statement 2

People react differently to the carbohydrate content in food. An adaptation of the carbohydrate content makes sense.

A study in the "Journal of Nutrition" has shown that people with the Gln27Glu polymorphism in the gene ADRB2 have significantly higher tendency to become overweight (OR: 2.56) when they receive more than 49% of daily calories from carbohydrates.

Statement 3

Genes influence a particular weight loss program with up to 2.5 times better or worse success.

A study from (Lindi et al., Diabetes 51: 2581-2586, 2002) came to the conclusion that people who followed a light three-year diet and exercise program loose about 2.5 times more weight if they have the favorable variant of a gene than people with the unfavorable variant (on average, 8.3 kg compared to 3.4 kg). However, the favorable variant had one drawback: one year after the study, the body weight of the subjects was measured again, showing that the people with the favorable variant had gained significantly more weight than the group with the really unfavorable variant. Thus, the favorable variant makes sports and diet effective, but unfortunately, the yo-yo effect is stronger.

Statement 4

Genetic polymorphisms affect how the body responds to sport for losing weight.

The effectiveness of sport for losing weight is strongly influenced by the genes. The study (Diabetes Obes Metab. 2002 Nov;4(6):428-30.) is one of the many studies showing that people with a particular gene variant in the ADRB2 gene had a significant genetic tendency to be overweight, but only if they led an inactive lifestyle. If these people practice sport, the genetic defect had no influence on their tendency to be overweight. The effect of the gene defect could therefore be annulled by a lifestyle change. An independent study analysing the same gene (Diabetes Care. 1997 Dec;20(13):1887-90.) shows that people with the less favourable variant of the gene loose significantly less weight through sport than the persons with the favourable variant, even if they make as much effort as the ones from the control group. So for them sport is not the best weight-loss strategy. Every gym employee is familiar with these significant differences in weight-loss success. These genetic effects was confirmed by many other studies (Eur J Intern Med. 2007 Dec;18(8):587-92, Obes Res. 2004 May;13(5):807-15., Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord. 2003 Sep;27(9):1028-36).

Statement 5

Genes influence the success of a calorie reduction for losing weight. The proportion of carbohydrates and fat in the diet can be customized depending on genetic predisposition. Fat sensitive individuals therefore benefit from a low-fat diet while carbohydrate sensitive persons will benefit more from a low-carb diet.

Therefore, these two genetic tendencies allow drawing conclusions regarding who is sensitive to the amount of carbohydrates and fats in the diet. Thus, if a person is less sensitive to the amount of fat in food, this person shows a tendency to become overweight only when the carbohydrate content is about 49%, according to the publications previously mentioned, and it can be concluded that a higher fat and lower carbohydrate diet will have a positive impact on body weight. A person with the right polymorphisms is not gaining weight with a diet containing more fat and less carbohydrates.

All our results and processes are based on the cutting edge of science and technology, and are optimally adapted to legal requirements.

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